Simone Cooper
Recent Master of Social Work graduate Simone Cooper has embarked on an exciting social work career in the UK. H
er experience studying online while working full time was positive while she takes pride in a profession that has such “unique values.”
What was your UNE qualification?
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
Online or on-campus study?
Online
How did you find UNE lecturers?
The social work lecturers were incredibly experienced, which was evident in the dynamic way they approached teaching. There was always a combination of their own practical examples from the field with theoretical underpinnings, providing a three-dimensional learning experience, which is critical to the social work profession.
What was your reason for studying at UNE?
I chose UNE as it was one of the few universities to offer this program fully online allowing me the flexibility to work full time, alongside full-time studies. Whilst studying, I was able to fit shift work around deadlines and placement. My social work supervisor was also mindful of my busy schedule, always offering weekend supervision sessions etc.
Your current job (if applicable)
I currently work as Social Worker for Essex County in England. I work with Adults in the Ongoing Support & Review Team. My main priority is to support those who have been receiving care (funding and/or support) for longer than 4 weeks. I conduct a review of their plans, in consultation with the service user (client), their family, allied health professionals, medical professionals, carers and whoever else is involved with their care. Depending on the complexity of the case, reviews can take anywhere from hours to weeks.
How has your UNE qualification aided you in your career?
Definitely! Upon graduation, I was eligible for registration as a Social Worker in Australia. My qualification also translated to England, where I am a registered social worker here with the national body, Social Work England. My degree also enabled me to work in a range of other related roles. Prior to moving to England, I worked in the disability sector with NDIS participants in the Sydney metro area.
What inspires you inside work and outside work?
Inside work- The more senior social workers I work alongside. It's incredible to see the values and morals of social work upheld and exampled by my colleagues and managers. I am proud to work in a profession that has such unique and signified values. My clients also inspire me - their tenacity in approaching and managing the circumstances which create a high level of vulnerability and disadvantage for themselves, is especially uplifting.
Outside work - Watching the news 😂 As it feels like the world is crumbling I'm grateful that I can work in an industry that contributes to positive change.
Do you volunteer your time for a community project or organisation?
Throughout my social work degree, I volunteered for the Heart Foundation, supporting with marketing and data entry and with the NSW Greens Party doing research. Towards the end of my social work placement, I did some online volunteering with social work helper (an online magazine with relevant social work articles).
In this time of Covid-19, how has the virus impacted your work?
The pandemic has impacted social work majorly in England. Having moved in early March (in the midst of the outbreak and 5 days before lockdown started in England), I have actually never conducted an assessment or meeting with any service user in person! My colleagues and I are all working from home. It is definitely new territory - much of social work is about creating meaningful and sustainable relationships with your colleagues and clients, in which face-to-face/in person meetings enable you to do so. Meeting service users and colleagues via video call has changed the way we establish those initial connections.
